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Education
Posted by Atch2877 • 10/10/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: education, writers, writing
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education." - Albert Einstein
My main discouragers as I really got serious about "Red Paradise" has been the educated. Experience has taught me better than any teacher that traditional education and methods have their place; but in breaking away from the norm can lead to amazing discoveries and success.
In my research I've found that the word education comes from the word educere, and that educere essentially means to draw from within.
So many "educated" writers have hounded me about reading as many books as I can in whatever genre I'm writing. I almost never do. Even if an author is wildly successful, I don't care to study them to learn me.
When working on "Red Paradise" my first editor suggested I read several books to learn how to the masters write sex scenes. I refused because when I write I am sincerely searching for myself. I am looking for Donald's own creative rhythm. I want to have a rendezvous with myself and get to know what I'm capable of. So I box myself in, away from other writers' influences.
I intimately study my craft by living life to the fullest. Then that feeling is what I put to paper.
Honestly, I can't say I write. I paint what I feel using squiggly lines that happen to be letters of the english language.
Ultimately, I don't think there is a right or wrong way about how one grows as a writer. We each must find our own way.
Today I have my own unique course. And even my course is changing. So I can't say where I will be tomorrow. But right now, I feel my bare feet on the sand of whatever beach I choose.
What are your thoughts?
User Comments
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You are my hero!-
Major, Major remark. I take those words seriously because I am struggling to be a hero to my son and so many other young men who are kind of at a disadvantage. I hope for all of the success in your life as you struggle in this world.
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There is, indeed, no universally wrong way to "grow as a writer"...just as there is no universally right way. Perhaps, though, the people who are discouraging you are assuming that your goal is mainstream publication and commercial success.-
You hit it right on the nose. The first thing people think when you say you are a writer or you are fighting to get published is that you want to go mainstream. I am kind of discouraged with the fact that people hardly think outside of the box and dont do for self. I appreciate your response.
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Trouble is, we may end up taking too much time discovering ourselves. So education quickly brings us to a minimum acceptable level. Anything over that is your own
Thanks for posting this.-
It is unfortunate but I have to agree with you there. What I am trying to do starting with my offspring is to change that reality. Thanks for responding. I appreciate it.
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You can read about education at electricale.wordpress.com
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